Conservation Education Mini-Grants
Richland County public, private, and alternative schools are eligible to apply for up to $1,000 in grant funding to support conservation projects and youth environmental education initiatives through Conservation Education Mini-Grants sponsored by the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD). To be eligible for funding, schools must be located in Richland County (including the City of Columbia) or, in the case of schools in Lexington-Richland School District Five, must serve Richland County students.
Mini-Grants may be used to support conservation-related student projects including, but not limited to, outdoor classrooms, school gardens, nature trails, wildlife habitats, rain barrels, composting initiatives, air quality campaigns, litter clean-ups, rain gardens, erosion control, virtual learning opportunities for students, and take-home activities promoting environmental stewardship.
Awards are competitive and proposals will be evaluated on the project’s conservation impact, feasibility, student and community involvement, and educational outcomes. Grants are available in amounts up to $1,000. Applicants should design a budget based on what is most appropriate for their project.
Timeline
There will be one mini-grant cycle for the 2025-2026 school year. The application deadline is Thursday, September 25, 2025. Funding is issued as a reimbursement for project expenses; copies of receipts and a brief final report containing captioned photos of the completed project are required for reimbursement. Project work and the expenditure of funds must be completed by Friday, June 12, 2026.
Grant Application
Review the 2025-2026 Conservation Mini-Grant Application and Guidelines(PDF, 210KB) and apply today!
Questions
Contact Jessica Thompson at thompson.jessica@richlandcountysc.gov or 803-576-5464.